Display device

ABSTRACT

A display device, includes: a display area and a non-display area; a plurality of signal lines over the display area; and a plurality of connection lines in the display area and connected to the signal lines, wherein the plurality of connection lines includes a plurality of first connection lines connected to the signal lines, respectively, a plurality of third connection lines on a same layer as the first connection lines, and a plurality of second connection lines connecting the first connection lines to the third connection lines.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent No.10-2019-0092466, filed on Jul. 30, 2019, in the Korean IntellectualProperty Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety

BACKGROUND 1. Field

Aspects of some example embodiments of the present disclosure relate toa display device.

2. Description of the Related Art

The importance of a display device has been increasing with thedevelopment of multimedia. In this regard, various types of displaydevices, such as liquid crystal displays (LCD) and organic lightemitting displays (OLED), are used. Among the above display devices, theorganic light emitting display has a relatively wide viewing angle, andmay include a self-emissive element.

The organic light emitting display includes a pixel circuit and adriving unit for driving the pixel circuit. The driving unit may includea scan driver that provides a scan signal to the pixel circuit, a datadriver that provides a data signal to the pixel circuit, and the like.Driving circuits of the scan driver and the data driver may be arrangedin a non-display area adjacent to a display area, and the non-displayarea may serve as a kind of dead space in terms of the functionality ofthe display device.

The above information disclosed in this Background section is only forenhancement of understanding of the background and therefore theinformation discussed in this Background section does not necessarilyconstitute prior art.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the present disclosure provide a display device whichminimizes or reduces a non-display area of the display device, andprevents or reduces degradation of display quality.

Technical problems of the present disclosure are not limited to theabove-mentioned technical problems, and a person having ordinary skillin the art may apparently understand other technical problems notmentioned herein on the basis of the following descriptions.

According to some example embodiments of the present disclosure, adisplay device includes: a display area and a non-display area, thedisplay device comprises a plurality of signal lines over the displayarea, and a plurality of connection lines in the display area andconnected to the signal lines, wherein the plurality of connection linesinclude a plurality of first connection lines connected to the signallines, respectively, third connection lines on the same layer as thefirst connection lines, and second connection lines configured toconnect the first connection lines to the third connection lines.

According to some example embodiments, wherein the first connectionlines and the third connection lines extend in a first direction, andthe second connection lines extend in a second direction intersectingthe first direction.

According to some example embodiments, the display device furthercomprises a plurality of first dummy patterns and a plurality of seconddummy patterns, wherein the first dummy patterns are on the same layeras the first connection lines, and the second dummy patterns are on thesame layer as the second connection lines.

According to some example embodiments, wherein the first dummy patternsextend in a first direction, and the second dummy patterns extend in asecond direction intersecting the first direction.

According to some example embodiments, wherein an interval between theplurality of first dummy patterns in the second direction issubstantially equal to an interval between the plurality of firstconnection lines in the second direction.

According to some example embodiments, wherein the signal lines areformed of a first conductive layer, the first connection lines or thethird connection lines are formed of a second conductive layer, thesecond connection lines are formed of a third conductive layer, and thesecond conductive layer is between the first conductive layer and thethird conductive layer.

According to some example embodiments, wherein the second connectionline is electrically connected to the first connection line through afirst contact hole exposing one end of the first connection line.

According to some example embodiments, wherein the second connectionline is electrically connected to the third connection line through asecond contact hole exposing one end of the third connection line.

According to some example embodiments, wherein the first dummy patternsare formed of the second conductive layer, and the second dummy patternsare formed of the third conductive layer.

According to some example embodiments, the display device furthercomprises a power supply voltage line formed of the first conductivelayer, wherein the power supply voltage line is electrically connectedto the second dummy pattern.

According to some example embodiments of the present disclosure, adisplay device includes: a substrate including a display area and anon-display area, a plurality of signal lines in the display area of thesubstrate, a plurality of connection lines in the display area andconnected to the signal lines, a first electrode on the connection line,a light emitting layer on the first electrode, and a second electrode onthe light emitting layer, wherein the plurality of connection linesinclude first connection lines respectively connected to the signallines and second connection lines respectively connected to the firstconnection lines, and the first connection line and the secondconnection line are on different layers from each other.

According to some example embodiments, wherein the signal lines areformed of a first conductive layer, the first connection lines areformed of a second conductive layer, the second connection lines areformed of a third conductive layer, and the second conductive layer isbetween the first conductive layer and the third conductive layer.

According to some example embodiments, the display device furthercomprises a semiconductor layer on the substrate, and a first gateconductive layer on the semiconductor layer, wherein the first gateconductive layer is between the semiconductor layer and the firstconductive layer.

According to some example embodiments, wherein the first electrode isbetween the third conductive layer and the second electrode.

According to some example embodiments, wherein the first connectionlines extend in a first direction, and the second connection linesextend in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

According to some example embodiments, wherein the connection linefurther includes a plurality of third connection lines connected to thesecond connection lines, and the third connection lines extend in thefirst direction and are on the same layer as the first connection line.

According to some example embodiments, the display device furthercomprises a plurality of first dummy patterns and a plurality of seconddummy patterns in the display area, wherein the first dummy patterns areon the same layer as the signal lines, and the second dummy patterns areon the same layer as the first connection lines.

According to some example embodiments, wherein the display area includesa front display area, a first side display area extending from a firstside of the front display area, and a second side display area extendingfrom a second side of the front display area.

According to some example embodiments, wherein the plurality ofconnection lines extend from the non-display area and extend to thenon-display area via the first side display area, the front displayarea, and the second side display area.

According to some example embodiments, the display device furthercomprises a corner area between the first side display area and thesecond side display area, wherein the first connection line is connectedto the signal line through a contact hole in the corner area.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects and features of the present disclosure willbecome more apparent by describing aspects of some example embodimentsthereof in more detail with reference to the attached drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a display device according to some exampleembodiments;

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a signal line, a connection line, and adummy line of the display device according to some example embodiments;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged plan view of the region A of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line IV-IV′ of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged plan view of the region B of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along the line VI-VI′ of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along the line VII-VII′ of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged plan view of the region C of FIG. 2;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along the line IX-IX′ of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a plan view showing an arrangement of pixels according tosome example embodiments;

FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing an example of a pixel of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged plan view of region B according to some exampleembodiments;

FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken along the line XIII-XIII′ of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged plan view of the region A according to someexample embodiments;

FIG. 15 is a sectional view taken along the line XV-XV′ of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged plan view of the region B according to someexample embodiments;

FIG. 17 is a sectional view taken along the line XVII-XVII′ of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a sectional view taken along the line XVIII-XVIII′ of FIG.16;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a display device according to someexample embodiments;

FIG. 20 is a development view of the display device of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a development view showing signal lines and connection linesof the display device of FIG. 19;

FIG. 22 is an enlarged plan view of the region D of FIG. 21; and

FIG. 23 is a sectional view taken along the line XXIII-XXIII′ of FIG.22.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of some example embodiments of the present invention will now bedescribed more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, in which example embodiments of the invention are shown. Thisinvention may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not beconstrued as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, theseexample embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will bethorough and complete, and will more fully convey the scope of theinvention to those skilled in the art.

It will also be understood that when a layer is referred to as being“on” another layer or substrate, it can be directly on the other layeror substrate, or intervening layers may also be present. In contrast,when an element is referred to as being “directly on” another element,there are no intervening elements present.

The same reference numbers indicate the same components throughout thespecification

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be describedwith reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the disclosure herein, a first direction DR1 indicates a Y-axisdirection, a second direction DR2 indicates an X-axis direction, and athird direction DR3 indicates a Z-axis direction.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a display device according to some exampleembodiments. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a signal line, a connectionline, and a dummy line of the display device according to some exampleembodiments. FIG. 3 is an enlarged plan view of the region A of FIG. 2.FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line IV-IV′ of FIG. 3. FIG. 5is an enlarged plan view of the region B of FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is asectional view taken along the line VI-VI′ of FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is asectional view taken along the line VII-VII′ of FIG. 5. FIG. 8 is anenlarged plan view of the region C of FIG. 2. FIG. 9 is a sectional viewtaken along the line IX-IX′ of FIG. 8.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 9, a display device 1 is a device configured todisplay a moving image or a still image. The display device 1 may beused as a display screen for various products such as a portableelectronic apparatus such as a mobile phone, smart phone, tabletpersonal computer (PC), smart watch, watch phone, mobile communicationterminal, electronic notebook, electronic book, portable multimediaplayer (PMP), navigation, or ultra mobile PC (UMPC), as well as atelevision, notebook computer, monitor, signboard, or Internet of Thingsdevices.

The display device 1 may include a display panel 10. The display panel10 may be a flexible substrate including a flexible polymer materialsuch as polyimide. Accordingly, the display panel 10 may be curved,bent, folded, or rolled up.

The display panel 10 may include a main region MR and a bending regionBR connected to one side of the main region MR. The display panel 10 mayfurther include a sub region SR connected to the bending region BR andoverlapping the main region MR in a thickness direction.

The display panel 10 may include a display area DA, which is a portionin which an image is displayed and a non-display area NDA excluding thedisplay area DA. The display area DA may include a plurality of pixels.Each pixel may include a light emitting layer and a circuit layer forcontrolling a light emitting amount of the light emitting layer. Thecircuit layer may include display lines, display electrodes, and atleast one transistor. The light emitting layer may include an organiclight emitting material. The light emitting layer may be sealed by anencapsulation layer. The detailed configuration of the pixel will bedescribed later.

The display area DA is located in the main region MR. The peripheraledge portion of the display area DA in the main region MR, the bendingregion BR, and the sub region SR may be the non-display area NDA.However, embodiments according to the present disclosure are not limitedthereto, and the bending region BR and the sub region SR may alsoinclude the display area DA.

The main region MR may have a shape similar to an appearance of thedisplay device 1 when viewed from the top. The main region MR may be aflat region located on one surface thereof. However, embodimentsaccording to the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and atleast one of edges other than edges (sides) connected to the bendingregion BR in the main region MR may be formed as a curved surface orbent in a vertical direction.

When the at least one of edges other than edges (sides) connected to thebending region BR in the main region MR is formed as a curved surface orbent, the display area DA may also be located at the corresponding edge.However, embodiments according to the present disclosure are not limitedthereto, and the non-display area NDA, which does not display the image,may be located at the curved or bent edge, or the display area DA andthe non-display area NDA may be arranged together at the curved or bentedge.

The non-display area NDA may be located around the display area DA ofthe main region MR. The non-display area NDA of the main region MR maybe located in an area from an outer boundary of the display area DA tothe edges of the display panel 10. A signal line DL, a connection lineDM, or driving circuits configured to apply a signal to the display areaDA may be located in the non-display area NDA of the main region MR. Inaddition, an outermost black matrix may be located in the non-displayarea NDA of the main region MR, but embodiments according to the presentdisclosure are not limited thereto.

The bending region BR is connected to the main region MR. For example,the bending region BR may be connected through one short side of themain region MR. In the bending region BR, the display panel 10 may bebent with a curvature in a direction opposite to a third direction DR3,that is, in a direction opposite to a display surface. When the displaypanel 10 is bent in the bending region BR, the surface of the displaypanel 10 may be reversed. In other words, the surface may be changedsuch that one surface of the display panel 10 facing upward facesoutward through the bending region BR and then faces downward.

The sub region SR extends from the bending region BR. The sub region SRmay start from a portion where the bending is completed and extend in adirection parallel to the main region MR. The sub region SR may overlapthe main region MR in the third direction DR3 of the display panel 10,that is, in a thickness direction. The sub region SR may overlap thenon-display area NDA at the edge of the main region MR and may furtheroverlap the display area DA of the main region MR.

A width of the sub region SR in the second direction DR2 may be equal toa width of the bending region BR in the second direction DR2 but is notlimited thereto.

A driving chip 20 may be located on the sub region SR of the displaypanel 10. The driving chip 20 may generate a driving signal required fordriving the pixel and supply the driving signal to the pixel defined inthe display area DA. For example, the driving chip 20 may generate adata signal to determine an emission luminance of the pixel. In thiscase, the driving chip 20 may provide the data signal to the pixelthrough the connection lines DM and the signal lines DL.

The driving chip 20 may be attached onto the display panel 10 through ananisotropic conductive film or attached onto the display panel 10through ultrasonic bonding. A width of the driving chip 20 in the seconddirection DR2 may be smaller than a width of the display panel 10 in thesecond direction DR2.

A driving substrate 30 may be connected to an end of the sub region SRof the display panel 10. A pad portion may be provided at the end of thesub region SR, and the driving substrate 30 may be connected to the padportion. The driving substrate 30 may be a flexible printed circuitboard or film.

A plurality of signal lines DL, connection lines DM, or dummy lines DPmay be located in the sub region SR, the bending region BR, and the mainregion MR. The signal lines DL and the connection lines DM may extendfrom the sub region SR to the main region MR via the bending region BR.The dummy lines DP may be located in the main region MR.

The signal lines DL, the connection lines DM, and the dummy lines DPwill be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2 to 9.

Referring to FIGS. 2 to 9, the display device 1 may include a pluralityof signal lines DL, a plurality of connection lines DM, and a pluralityof dummy lines DP. Meanwhile, the signal lines DL, the connection linesDM, and the dummy lines DP are configured to extend in the firstdirection DR1 or the second direction DR2 and may be symmetrical withrespect to a reference axis (not shown) formed through a center of anarea of the display device 1. Hereinafter, the description will befocused on the signal lines DL, the connection lines DM, and the dummylines DP that are located on a left side of the display device 1.

The signal lines DL may extend from the non-display area NDA and belocated in the display area DA. The signal lines DL may extend in thefirst direction DR1 and may be sequentially arranged at specificintervals along the second direction DR2. The second direction DR2refers to a direction intersecting the first direction DR1 and may beperpendicular to the first direction DR1.

One end of the signal line DL may be electrically connected to theconnection line DM. One end of the signal line DL connected to theconnection line DM may be located in the non-display area NDA below themain region MR. The signal line DL may be, for example, a data line thattransmits a data signal.

The plurality of connection lines DM may extend from the non-displayarea NDA and extend to the non-display area NDA via the display area DA.The connection lines DM may include first connection lines DM1 connectedto the signal lines DL, respectively; second connection lines DM2connected to the first connection lines DM1, respectively; and thirdconnection lines DM3 connected to the second connection lines DM2,respectively.

The plurality of first connection lines DM1 may extend from thenon-display area NDA and be located in the display area DA. The firstconnection lines DM1 may extend in the first direction DR1 and may besequentially arranged at specific intervals along the second directionDR2. An interval between the plurality of first connection lines DM1 maybe substantially the same as an interval between the signal lines DL.

One end of the first connection line DM1 may be located in thenon-display area NDA, and the other end of the first connection line DM1may be located in the display area DA. The one end of the firstconnection line DM1 may extend to one end of the signal line DL locatedin the non-display area NDA below the main region MR. The one end of thefirst connection line DM1 may be electrically connected to each signalline DL in the non-display area NDA below the main region MR.

The first connection line DM1 may be located on a different layer from alayer on which the signal line DL is located and may be insulated fromthe signal line DL by an insulating layer. For example, as shown in FIG.4, the signal line DL may be formed of a first conductive layer 130, thefirst connection line DM1 may be formed of a second conductive layer140, and the signal line DL may be insulated from the first connectionline DM1 by a fourth insulating layer IL4. The one end of the firstconnection line DM1 may pass through the fourth insulating layer IL4 andbe electrically connected to the signal line DL through a first contacthole CNT1 exposing one end of the signal line DL.

Meanwhile, FIGS. 2 to 4 illustrate that the first connection line DM1overlaps the signal line DL in the thickness direction, but embodimentsaccording to the present disclosure are not limited thereto. In otherwords, the first connection line DM1 may be arranged to not overlap thesignal line DL when viewed from the top. In this case, the firstconnection line DM1 may be located in a space where the plurality ofsignal lines DL are spaced apart from each other.

The plurality of second connection lines DM2 may be located in thedisplay area DA. The second connection lines DM2 may extend in thesecond direction DR2 and may be sequentially arranged at specificintervals along the first direction DR1. One end of the secondconnection line DM2 may extend to the other end of the first connectionline DM1 located in the display area DA. The one end of the secondconnection line DM2 may be electrically connected to the other end ofeach first connection line DM1 in the display area DA.

The second connection line DM2 may be located on a different layer fromthe layer on which the first connection line DM1 is located and may beinsulated from the first connection line DM1 by an insulating layer. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 6, the first connection line DM1 may be formedof a second conductive layer 140, the second connection line DM2 may beformed of a third conductive layer 150, and the first connection lineDM1 may be insulated from the second connection line DM2 by a fifthinsulating layer IL5. The one end of the second connection line DM2 maypass through the fifth insulating layer IL5 and be electricallyconnected to the first connection line DM1 through a second contact holeCNT2 exposing the other end of the first connection line DM1.

The plurality of third connection lines DM3 may extend from thenon-display area NDA and be located in the display area DA. The thirdconnection line DM3 may extend in the first direction DR1 and may besequentially arranged at specific intervals along the second directionDR2. An interval WD3 between the third connection lines DM3 may besubstantially the same as an interval WD1 between the first connectionlines DL1.

One end of the third connection line DM3 may be located in the displayarea DA, and the other end of the third connection line DM3 may belocated in the non-display area NDA. The one end of the third connectionline DM3 may extend to the other end of the second connection line DM2.The one end of the third connection line DM3 may be electricallyconnected to the other end of the second connection line DM2 in thedisplay area DA.

The third connection line DM3 may be located on a different layer fromthe layer on which the second connection line DM2 is located and may beinsulated from the second connection line DM2 by an insulating layer. Inaddition, the third connection line DM3 may be located on the same layeras the layer on which the first connection lines DM1 are located. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 6, the second connection line DM2 may beformed of a third conductive layer 150, the third connection line DM3may be formed of the second conductive layer 140, and the secondconnection line DM2 may be insulated from the third connection line DM3by the fifth insulating layer IL5. The other end of the secondconnection line DM2 may pass through the fifth insulating layer IL5 andbe electrically connected to the third connection line DM3 through athird contact hole CNT3 exposing the one end of the third connectionline DM3.

Meanwhile, FIGS. 2 and 5 illustrate that the third connection line DM3overlaps the signal line DL in the thickness direction but embodimentsaccording to the present disclosure are not limited thereto. In otherwords, the third connection line DM3 may be arranged to not overlap thesignal line DL when viewed from the top. In this case, the thirdconnection line DM3 may be located in a space where the plurality ofsignal lines DL are spaced apart from each other.

As described above, the display device 1 may include first to thirdconnection lines DM1, DM2 and DM3 located via the display area DA andprovide an image signal to the signal lines DL through the first tothird connection lines DM1, DM2 and DM3. Accordingly, an additional deadspace required for connecting the signal lines DL to the driving chip 20may be unnecessary. In other words, the dead space may be minimized orreduced.

The plurality of dummy lines DP may be located over the display area DAof the main region MR. The dummy line DP may include a plurality offirst dummy lines DP1 and a plurality of second dummy lines DP2.

The plurality of first dummy lines DP1 may extend in the first directionDR1 and may be sequentially arranged at specific intervals along thesecond direction DR2. An interval WP1 between the first dummy lines DP1may be substantially the same as the interval WD1 between the firstconnection lines DM1. In addition, the interval WP1 between the firstdummy lines DP1 may be substantially the same as the interval WD3between the third connection lines DL3.

The first dummy lines DP1 may be aligned with the first connection linesDM1 and/or the third connection lines DM3 in the first direction DR1.The first dummy line DP1 may partially overlap the second connectionline DM2.

One end of the first dummy line DP1 may be spaced apart from one end orthe other end of the first connection line DM1 and/or the thirdconnection line DM3. The one end of the first dummy line DP1 may facethe one end or the other end of the first connection line DM1 and/or thethird connection line DM3. A first gap G1 may be defined at a space inwhich the one end of the first dummy line DP1 is spaced apart from andfaces the one end or the other end of the first connection line DM1and/or the third connection line DM3.

The first dummy line DP1 may be located on the same layer as the layeron which the first connection lines DM1 and/or the third connectionlines DM3 are located. In addition, the first dummy line DP1 may belocated on a different layer from the layer on which the secondconnection lines DM2 are located. For example, as shown in FIGS. 7 and9, the first dummy line DP1 may be formed of the second conductive layer140.

Meanwhile, FIGS. 5 and 7 to 9 illustrate that the first dummy line DP1overlaps the signal line DL in the thickness direction but embodimentsaccording to the present disclosure are not limited thereto. In otherwords, the first dummy line DP1 may be arranged to not overlap thesignal line DL when viewed from the top. In this case, the first dummyline DP1 may be located in a space where the plurality of signal linesDL are spaced apart from each other.

The plurality of second dummy lines DP2 may extend in the seconddirection DR2 and may be sequentially arranged at specific intervalsalong the first direction DR1. An interval WP2 between the second dummylines DP2 may be substantially the same as an interval WD2 between thesecond connection lines DM2.

The plurality of second dummy lines DP2 may be located at one side andthe other side of the second connection line DM2 when viewed from thetop. In other words, the second connection lines DM2 may be locatedbetween the plurality of second dummy lines DP2 when viewed from thetop. The second dummy lines DP2 may be aligned with the secondconnection lines DM2 in the second direction DR2. The second dummy linesDP2 may partially overlap the first connection lines DM1 and/or thethird connection lines DM3.

One end or the other end of the second dummy line DP2 may be spacedapart from one end or the other end of the second connection line DM2. Asecond gap G2 may be defined at a space in which the one end or theother end of the second dummy line DP2 is spaced apart from the one endor the other end of the second connection line DM2.

The second dummy line DP2 may be located on a different layer from thelayer on which the first dummy lines DP1 are located. In addition, thesecond dummy line DP2 may be located on a different layer from the layeron which the first connection lines DM1 and/or the third connectionlines DM3 are located. In addition, the second dummy line DP2 may belocated on the same layer as the layer on which the second connectionlines DM2 are located. For example, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, thesecond dummy line DP2 may be formed of the third conductive layer 150.

As described above, when the dummy lines DP1 and DP2 include a pluralityof conductive layers, and when the first dummy lines DP1 extend in thefirst direction DR1 and the second dummy lines DP2 extend in the seconddirection DR2, the dummy lines DP1 and DP2 may implement a latticepattern shape together with the connection lines DM1, DM2 and DM3.Accordingly, variant patterns are minimized or reduced so that visualrecognition of the pattern can be prevented or reduced.

Hereinafter, a pixel P of the display device 1 will be described in moredetail.

FIG. 10 is a plan view showing an arrangement of pixels according to anembodiment. FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing an example of the pixelof FIG. 10.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, each pixel P may include sub-pixels R, Gand B. The sub-pixels R, G and B may include a first sub-pixel Remitting a first color, a second sub-pixel G emitting a second color,and a third sub-pixel B emitting a third color. One first sub-pixel R,two second sub-pixels G, and one third sub-pixel B may be defined as onepixel P. The pixel P refers to a group of sub-pixels capable ofrepresenting a gray scale. FIG. 10 illustrates that the second sub-pixelG, the first sub-pixel R, the second sub-pixel G, and the thirdsub-pixel B are sequentially arranged in the second direction DR2.However, the arrangement of the sub-pixels R, G and B is not limitedthereto.

Each sub-pixel R, G and B may have a different shape and size. FIG. 10illustrates that the third sub-pixel B has the largest size and thesecond sub-pixel G has the smallest size. However, the sizes of thesub-pixels R, G and B are not limited thereto.

An anode electrode ANO may be arranged corresponding to each of thesub-pixels R, G and B. The anode ANO may include first to third anodeelectrodes ANO1, ANO2 and ANO3 corresponding to each of the sub-pixelsR, G and B. The first anode electrode ANO1 may be arranged correspondingto the first sub-pixel R, the second anode electrode ANO2 may bearranged corresponding to the second sub-pixel G, and the third anodeelectrode ANO3 may be arranged corresponding to the third sub-pixel B.

A sectional structure of each sub-pixel R, G and B will be described inmore detail with reference to FIG. 11. In FIG. 11, new referencenumerals are additionally given to and occasionally written togetherwith some components to clarify the interlayer configuration for thesame configuration as the aforementioned components.

Referring to FIG. 11, each sub-pixel R, G and B may include a substrate101, a buffer layer BF, a semiconductor layer ACT, a first insulatinglayer IL1, a first gate conductive layer 110, a second insulating layerIL2, a second gate conductive layer 120, a third insulating layer IL3, afirst conductive layer 130, a fourth insulating layer IL4, a secondconductive layer 140, a fifth insulating layer IL5, a third conductivelayer 150, a sixth insulating layer IL6, a first electrode 171, a pixeldefining layer 180 including an opening exposing the first electrode171, a light emitting layer 172 located in the opening of the pixeldefining layer 180, a second electrode 173 located on the light emittinglayer 172 and the pixel defining layer 180, and a passivation layer 190.

Each of the above-described layers may be composed of a single layer andmay be composed of a laminated layer including a plurality of layers.Another layer may be further located between the layers.

The substrate 101 may support the layers located thereon. The substrate101 may be formed of an insulating material. The substrate 101 may beformed of an inorganic material such as glass or quartz or may be formedof an organic material such as polyimide. The substrate 101 may be arigid substrate or a flexible substrate.

The buffer layer BF is located on the substrate 101. The buffer layer BFmay prevent or reduce instances of impurity ions diffusing, prevent orreduce instances of moisture permeating, and function as a surfaceplanarization. The buffer layer BF may include silicon nitride, siliconoxide, silicon oxynitride, or the like.

The semiconductor layer ACT is located on the buffer layer BF. Thesemiconductor layer ACT may form channels of a plurality of transistorsof each sub-pixel R, G and B. The semiconductor layer ACT may includepolycrystalline silicon. The polycrystalline silicon may be formed bycrystallizing amorphous silicon.

When the semiconductor layer ACT is formed of polycrystalline siliconand ions are doped into the semiconductor layer ACT, the semiconductorlayer ACT doped with the ions may have conductivity. Accordingly, thesemiconductor layer ACT may include not only channel areas of aplurality of transistors but also a source area and a drain area. Thesource area and the drain area may be connected to both sides of eachchannel area.

In another embodiment, the semiconductor layer ACT may includesingle-crystalline silicon, low temperature polycrystalline silicon,amorphous silicon, or an oxide semiconductor. The oxide semiconductormay include, for example, a binary compound (AB_(x)), a ternary compound(AB_(x)C_(y)), and a quarternary compound (AB_(x)C_(y)D_(z)) thatcontain indium, zinc, gallium, tin, titanium, aluminum, hafnium (Hf),zirconium (Zr), magnesium (Mg), or the like. In one embodiment, thesemiconductor layer ACT may include oxide including indium, tin andtitanium (ITZO) or oxide including indium, gallium and tin (IGZO).

The first insulating layer IL1 is located on the semiconductor layerACT. The first insulating layer IL1 may be substantially arranged overan entire surface of the substrate 101. The first insulating layer IL1may be a gate insulating layer having a gate insulating function. Thefirst insulating layer IL1 may include a silicon compound, a metaloxide, and the like. For example, the first insulating layer IL1 mayinclude silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, aluminumoxide, tantalum oxide, hafnium oxide, zirconium oxide, titanium oxide,and the like. The first insulating layer IL1 may be a single layer or amultilayer layer composed of laminated layers formed of differentmaterials.

The first gate conductive layer 110 is located on the first insulatinglayer IL1. The first gate conductive layer 110 may include at least onemetal selected from the group including molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al),platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), gold (Au),nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), calcium (Ca),titanium (Ti), tantalum (Ta), tungsten (W), and copper (Cu). The firstgate conductive layer 110 may be a single layer or a multilayer layer.The first gate conductive layer 110 may include a gate electrode of atransistor and a first electrode of a storage capacitor.

The second insulating layer IL2 is located on the first gate conductivelayer 110. The second insulating layer IL2 may be substantially locatedover an entire surface of the substrate 101. The second insulating layerIL2 serves to insulate the first gate conductive layer 110 from thesecond gate conductive layer 120.

The second insulating layer IL2 may be an interlayer insulating layer.The second insulating layer IL2 may include the same material as theabove-described first insulating layer IL1 or may include at least onematerial selected from materials listed as example constituent materialsof the first insulating layer IL1.

The second gate conductive layer 120 is located on the second insulatinglayer IL2. The second gate conductive layer 120 may include a secondelectrode of the storage capacitor. The second gate conductive layer 120may overlap the first gate conductive layer 110 with the secondinsulating layer IL2 interposed therebetween so as to form a storagecapacitor. The second gate conductive layer 120 may include at least onemetal selected from the group including molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al),platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), gold (Au),nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), calcium (Ca),titanium (Ti), tantalum (Ta), tungsten (W), and copper (Cu). The secondgate conductive layer 120 may be formed of the same material as thefirst gate conductive layer 110 but is not limited thereto. The secondgate conductive layer 120 may be a single layer or a multilayer layer.

The third insulating layer IL3 covers the second gate conductive layer120. The third insulating layer IL3 insulates the second gate conductivelayer 120 and the first conductive layer 130. The third insulating layerIL3 may include the same material as the above-described firstinsulating layer IL1 or may include at least one material selected frommaterials listed as example constituent materials of the firstinsulating layer IL1.

The first conductive layer 130 is located on the third insulating layerIL3. The first conductive layer 130 may include at least one metalselected from the group including aluminum (Al), molybdenum (Mo),platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), gold (Au),nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), calcium (Ca),titanium (Ti), tantalum (Ta), tungsten (W), and copper (Cu). The firstconductive layer 130 may be a single layer or a multilayer layer. Forexample, the first conductive layer 130 may be formed of a laminatedstructure such as Ti/Al/Ti, Mo/Al/Mo, Mo/AlGe/Mo, or Ti/Cu. The firstconductive layer 130 may include the above-described signal line DL anda source electrode SE. The source electrode SE may be connected to thesource area of the semiconductor layer ACT through the contact holeformed through the third insulating layer IL3, the second insulatinglayer IL2, and the first insulating layer IL1.

The fourth insulating layer IL4 covers the first conductive layer 130.The fourth insulating layer IL4 may be a via layer. The fourthinsulating layer IL4 may include an organic insulating material such asa polyacrylate resin, an epoxy resin, a phenolic resin, a polyamideresin, a polyimide rein, an unsaturated polyester resin, a polyphenyleneether resin, a polyphenylene sulfide resin, or benzocyclobutene (BCB).

The second conductive layer 140 is located on the fourth insulatinglayer IL4. The second conductive layer 140 may include the same materialas the above-described first conductive layer 130 or may include atleast one material selected from materials listed as example constituentmaterials of the first conductive layer 130. The second conductive layer140 may include the first connection line DM1, the third connection lineDM3 and the first dummy line DP1 described above, and a first conductivepattern CP1. The first conductive pattern CP1 may be connected to thesource electrode SE through a contact hole formed through the fourthinsulating layer IL4.

The fifth insulating layer IL5 covers the second conductive layer 140.The fifth insulating layer IL5 may be a via layer. The fifth insulatinglayer IL5 may include the same material as the above-described fourthinsulating layer IL4 or may include at least one material selected frommaterials listed as example constituent materials of the fourthinsulating layer IL4.

The third conductive layer 150 is located on the fifth insulating layerIL5. The third conductive layer 150 may include the same material as theabove-described first conductive layer 130 or may include at least onematerial selected from materials listed as example constituent materialsof the first conductive layer 130. The third conductive layer 150 mayinclude the second connection line DM2 and the second dummy line DP2described above and a second conductive pattern CP2. The secondconductive pattern CP2 may be connected to the first conductive patternCP1 through a contact hole formed through the fifth insulating layerIL5.

The sixth insulating layer IL6 covers the third conductive layer 150.The sixth insulating layer IL6 may be a via layer. The sixth insulatinglayer IL6 may include the same material as the above-described fourthinsulating layer IL4 or may include at least one material selected frommaterials listed as example constituent materials of the fourthinsulating layer IL4.

The first electrode 171 is located on the sixth insulating layer IL6.Although not limited to the following, the first electrode 171 may havea laminated layer structure formed by laminating a material layer havinga high work function such as indium-tin-oxide (ITO), indium-zinc-oxide(IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), or indium oxide (In₂O₃), and a reflectivematerial layer such as silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al),platinum (Pt), lead (Pb), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd),iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr) , lithium (Li), calcium (Ca) or a mixturethereof. The layer having a higher work function may be located abovethe reflective material layer so as to be closer to the light emittinglayer 172. The first electrode 171 may have a multilayer structure ofITO/Mg, ITO/MgF, ITO/Ag, or ITO/Ag/ITO but is not limited thereto. Theanode electrodes ANO1, ANO2 and ANO3 of each sub-pixel R, G and B may beformed of the first electrode 171. The anodes ANO1, ANO2 and ANO3 may beconnected to the second conductive pattern CP2 through a contact holeformed through the sixth insulating layer IL6.

The pixel defining layer 180 may be located on the first electrode 171.The pixel defining layer 180 may include an inorganic insulatingmaterial such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride,hafnium oxide, aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, tantalum oxide, or zincoxide, or an organic insulating material such as a polyacrylate resin,an epoxy resin, a phenolic resin, a polyamide resin, a polyimide rein,an unsaturated polyester resin, a polyphenylene ether resin, apolyphenylene sulfide resin, or BCB. The pixel defining layer 180 may bea single layer or a multilayer layer composed of laminated layers formedof different materials.

The pixel defining layer 180 may include an opening that exposes thefirst electrode 171. The opening may define a light emitting area ofeach sub-pixel R, G and B. The second conductive layer 140 and the thirdconductive layer 150, which are located below the light emitting area ofeach sub-pixel R, G and B may be designed in an equivalent pattern. Inother words, a location and width overlapped between the light emittingarea of each sub-pixel R, G and B and the second conductive layer 140may be substantially the same. In addition, a location and widthoverlapped between the light emitting area of each sub-pixel R, G and Band the third conductive layer 150 may be substantially the same. Inthis case, a step difference in light emitting areas of a plurality ofsub-pixels R, G and B may be minimized or reduced. Accordingly, colordeviations of the plurality of sub-pixels R, G and B may be improved.The second conductive layer 140 located below the light emitting area ofeach sub-pixel R, G and B may be one of the first connection line DM1,the third connection line DM3, and the first dummy line DP1 describedabove. In addition, the third conductive layer 150 located below thelight emitting area of each sub-pixel R, G and B may be one of thesecond connection line DM2 and the second dummy line DP2 describedabove.

The light emitting layer 172 is located in the opening of the pixeldefining layer 180. The light emitting layer 172 may include an organiclight emitting layer, a hole injection/transport layer, and an electroninjection/transport layer.

The second electrode 173 is located on the light emitting layer 172 andthe pixel defining layer 180. A cathode electrode CAT may be formed ofthe second electrode 173. The cathode electrode CAT may be located overthe entire display area DA. The second electrode 173 may include amaterial layer having a low work function such as Li, Ca, LiF/Ca,LiF/Al, Al, Mg, Ag, Pt, Pd, Ni, Au, Nd, Ir, Cr, BaF, Ba, or a compoundor mixture thereof (for example, a mixture of Ag and Mg). The secondelectrode 173 may further include a transparent metal oxide layerlocated on the material layer having a low work function.

The passivation layer 190 may be located on the second electrode 173.The passivation layer 190 may prevent or reduce moisture or oxygenpermeating into the light emitting layer 172. The passivation layer 190may include at least one inorganic layer and/or organic layer. Theinorganic layer may include at least one inorganic material among, forexample, AlxOy, TiOx, ZrOx, SiOx, AlOxNy, AlxNy, SiOxNy, SixNy, ZnOx,and TaxOy. The organic layer may be formed by polymerizing at least onemonomer selected from the group including, for example, pentabromophenylacrylate, [2-(9H-carbazol-9-yl) ethylmethacrylate, N-vinylcarbazole, bis(methacryloylthiophenyl) sulfide, and zirconium acrylate. The organiclayer may be a planarization layer.

As described above, the second conductive layer 140 and the thirdconductive layer 150, which are located below the light emitting area ofeach sub-pixel R, G and B may be designed in an equivalent pattern.Accordingly, a step difference in light emitting areas of a plurality ofsub-pixels R, G and B may be minimized or reduced, and color deviationsof the plurality of sub-pixels R, G and B may be improved.

Hereinafter, another embodiment will be described. Hereinafter, the samereference numerals will refer to the same components as those describedabove, and duplicate descriptions will be omitted or simplified.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged plan view of region B according to anotherembodiment. FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken along the line XIII-XIII′of FIG. 12.

Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, this embodiment is different from theembodiments of FIGS. 1 to 11 in that a first power supply voltage lineVDL is further included.

The first power supply voltage line VDL may transfer a driving voltageand may be located on one side of the signal line DL. The first powersupply voltage line VDL may extend in the first direction DR1 and may besequentially arranged at specific intervals along the second directionDR2.

The first power supply voltage line VDL may be located on the same layeras the layer on which the signal lines DL are located. In addition, thefirst power supply voltage line VDL may be located on a different layerfrom the layer on which the second dummy lines DP2 are located and maybe insulated from the second dummy line DP2 by the insulating layer. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 13, the first power supply voltage line VDLmay be formed of the first conductive layer 130, the second dummy lineDP2 may be formed of the third conductive layer 150, and the first powersupply voltage line VDL and the second dummy line DP2 may be insulatedby the fourth insulating layer IL4 and the fifth insulating layer IL5.The second dummy line DP2 may be electrically connected to the firstpower supply voltage line VDL through a fourth contact hole CNT4 formedthrough the fourth insulating layer IL4 and the fifth insulating layerIL5 to partially expose the first power supply voltage line VDL. In thiscase, a resistance of the first power supply voltage line VDL may beminimized or reduced so that a power supply voltage drop (IR drop) maybe alleviated. Accordingly, luminance uniformity LRU of the displaydevice 1 may be improved.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged plan view of region A according to still anotherembodiment. FIG. 15 is a sectional view taken along the line XV-XV′ ofFIG. 14. FIG. 16 is an enlarged plan view of region B according to stillanother embodiment. FIG. 17 is a sectional view taken along the lineXVII-XVII′ of FIG. 16. FIG. 18 is a sectional view taken along the lineXVIII-XVIII′ of FIG. 16.

Referring to FIGS. 14 to 18, this embodiment is different from theembodiments of FIGS. 1 to 11 in view of an arrangement of conductivelayers constituting connection lines DM′ and dummy lines DP′.

For example, a first connection line DM1′ may be located on a differentlayer from the layer on which the signal line DL is located and may beinsulated from the signal line DL by an insulating layer. For example,as shown in FIG. 15, the signal line DL may be formed of the firstconductive layer 130, the first connection line DM1′ may be formed ofthe third conductive layer 150, and the signal line DL and the firstconnection line DM1′ may be insulated by the fourth insulating layer IL4and the fifth insulating layer IL5. One end of the first connection lineDM1′ may be electrically connected to the signal line DL through a fifthcontact hole CNT5 formed through the fourth insulating layer IL4 and thefifth insulating layer IL5 to expose one end of the signal line DL. Aninterval between the plurality of first connection lines DM1′ may besubstantially the same as an interval between the signal lines DL.

Meanwhile, FIGS. 14 to 16 illustrate that the first connection line DM1′overlaps the signal line DL in the thickness direction but embodimentsaccording to the present disclosure are not limited thereto. In otherwords, the first connection line DM1′ may be arranged to not overlap thesignal line DL when viewed from the top. In this case, the firstconnection line DM1′ may be located in a space where the plurality ofsignal lines DL are spaced apart from each other.

A second connection line DM2′ may be located on a different layer fromthe layer on which the first connection line DM1′ is located and may beinsulated from the first connection line DM1′ by an insulating layer.For example, as shown in FIG. 17, the first connection line DM1′ may beformed of the third conductive layer 150, the second connection lineDM2′ may be formed of the second conductive layer 140, and the firstconnection line DM1′ may be insulated from the second connection lineDM2′ by the fifth insulating layer IL5. The other end of the firstconnection line DM1′ may be electrically connected to the secondconnection line DM2′ through a sixth contact hole CNT6 formed throughthe fifth insulating layer IL5 to expose one end of the secondconnection line DM2′.

A third connection line DM3′ may be located on a different layer fromthe layer on which the second connection line DM2′ is located and may beinsulated from the second connection line DM2′ by an insulating layer.In addition, the third connection line DM3′ may be located on the samelayer as the layer on which the first connection lines DM1′ are located.For example, as shown in FIG. 17, the second connection line DM2′ may beformed of the second conductive layer 140, the third connection lineDM3′ may be formed of the third conductive layer 150, and the secondconnection line DM2′ may be insulated from the third connection lineDM3′ by the fifth insulating layer IL5. One end of the third connectionline DM3′ may be electrically connected to the second connection lineDM2′ through a seventh contact hole CNT7 formed through the fifthinsulating layer IL5 to expose the other end of the second connectionline DM2′.

Meanwhile, FIG. 16 illustrates that the third connection line DM3′overlaps the signal line DL in the thickness direction but embodimentsaccording to the present disclosure are not limited thereto. In otherwords, the third connection line DM3′ may be arranged to not overlap thesignal line DL when viewed from the top. In this case, the thirdconnection line DM3′ may be located in a space where the plurality ofsignal lines DL are spaced apart from each other.

As described above, the display device 1 may include the first to thirdconnection lines DM1′, DM2′ and DM3′ located via the display area DA andprovide an image signal to the signal lines DL through the first tothird connection lines DM1′, DM2′ and DM3′. Accordingly, since theadditional dead space required for connecting the signal lines DL to thedriving chip 20 may be unnecessary, the dead space can be minimized orreduced as described above.

A first dummy line DP1′ may be located on the same layer as the layer onwhich the first connection lines DM1′ and/or the third connection linesDM3′ are located. In addition, the first dummy line DP1′ may be locatedon a different layer from the layer on which the second connection linesDM2′ are located. For example, as shown in FIG. 18, the first dummy lineDP1′ may be formed of the third conductive layer 150.

Meanwhile, FIGS. 16 and 18 illustrate that the first connection lineDM1′ overlaps the signal line DL in the thickness direction butembodiments according to the present disclosure are not limited thereto.In other words, the first dummy line DP1′ may be arranged to not overlapthe signal line DL when viewed from the top. In this case, the firstdummy line DP1′ may be located in a space where the plurality of signallines DL are spaced apart from each other.

A second dummy line DP2′ may be located on a different layer from thelayer on which the first dummy lines DP1′ are located. In addition, thesecond dummy line DP2′ may be located on a different layer from thelayer on which the first connection lines DM1′ and/or the thirdconnection lines DM3′ are located. In addition, the second dummy lineDP2′ may be located on the same layer as the layer on which the secondconnection lines DM2′ are located. For example, as shown in FIG. 18, thesecond dummy line DP2′ may be formed of the second conductive layer 140.

As described above, when the dummy lines DP1′ and DP2′ include aplurality of conductive layers, and when the first dummy line DP1′extends in the first direction DR1 and the second dummy line DP2′extends in the second direction, the dummy lines DP1′ and DP2′ mayimplement a lattice pattern shape together with the connection linesDM1′, DM2′ and DM3′. Accordingly, variant patterns are minimized orreduced so that visual recognition of the pattern may be prevented orreduced as described above.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a display device according to yetanother embodiment. FIG. 20 is a development view of the display deviceof FIG. 19. FIG. 21 is a development view showing signal lines,connection lines, and dummy lines of the display device of FIG. 19. FIG.22 is an enlarged plan view of region D of FIG. 21. FIG. 23 is asectional view taken along the line XXIII-XXIII′ of FIG. 22.

Referring to FIGS. 19 to 23, a display device 1_1 according to thepresent embodiment is different from the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 11 inthat a main region MR includes a front display area DA0, side displayareas DA1, DA2, DA3, and DA4, and corner areas C1, C2, C3, and C4.

The front display area DA0 and the side display areas DA1, DA2, DA3, andDA4 may be display areas DA configured to display an image. The cornerareas C1, C2, C3, and C4 are non-display areas NDA that do not displayan image and may provide a space through which the signal line DL andthe connection line DM pass.

The front display area DA0 may have a rectangular shape including twolong sides extending in the first direction DR1 and two short sidesextending in the second direction DR2. However, embodiments according tothe present disclosure are not limited thereto, and the front displayarea DA0 may be formed in a polygonal shape having round corners atwhich the short sides and the long sides meet.

The side display areas DA1, DA2, DA3, and DA4 may include a first sidedisplay area DA1, a second side display area DA2, a third side displayarea DA3, and a fourth side display area DA4.

The first side display area DA1 may be an area extending in thedirection opposite to the first direction DR1 at an edge of the frontdisplay area DA0, the second side display area DA2 may be an areaextending in the direction opposite to the second direction DR2 at anedge of the front display area DA0, the third side display area DA3 maybe an area extending in the first direction DR1 at an edge of the frontdisplay area DA0, and the fourth side display area DA4 may be an areaextending in the second direction DR2 at an edge of the front displayarea DA0.

The first to fourth side display areas DA1, DA2, DA3, and DA4 may have afunction or configuration substantially the same as each other exceptfor locations. Hereinafter, common features of the first to fourth sidedisplay areas DA1, DA2, DA3, and DA4 will be described based on thefirst side display area DA1, and duplicate descriptions will be omitted.

The first side display area DA1 may extend outward from the edge of thefront display area DA0 and be bent at an angle (e.g., a set orpredetermined angle). For example, the first side display area DA1 maybe bent at an angle of 90° to 150° with respect to the front displayarea DA0.

The first side display area DA1 may be connected to the bending regionBR. As shown in FIG. 19, when the first side display area DA1 is curvedor bent perpendicularly with respect to the front display area DA0, thebending region BR is curved or bent once more perpendicularly withrespect to the first side display area DA1 (in other words, curved orbent at an angle of 180° with respect to the front display area DA0),and thus the sub region SR located at one side of the bending region BRmay be located below the front display area DA0 in the thicknessdirection of the front display area DA0. The sub region SR may overlapthe front display area DA0 and may be located in parallel to the frontdisplay area DA0.

Corner areas C1, C2, C3, and C4 may be located between the side displayareas DA1, DA2, DA3, and DA4. The corner areas C1, C2, C3, and C4 mayinclude first to fourth corner areas C1, C2, C3, and C4 located betweenthe first to fourth side display areas DA1, DA2, DA3, and DA4. The firstto fourth corner areas C1, C2, C3, and C4 may be located adjacent tofour corners at which the long sides and the short sides meet eachother. The first to fourth corner areas C1, C2, C3, and C4 may have afunction or configuration substantially the same as each other exceptfor locations. Hereinafter, common features of the first to fourthcorner areas C1, C2, C3, and C4 will be described based on the firstcorner area C1, and duplicate descriptions will be omitted.

The first corner area C1 may be located between the first side displayarea DA1 and the second side display area DA2. One end of the firstcorner area C1 may come into contact with the first side display areaDA1, and the other end of the first corner area C1 may come into contactwith the second side display area DA2.

The first corner area C1 may extend from the front display area DA0 andmay be rounded to have a curvature (e.g., a set or predeterminedcurvature). The curvature of the first corner area C1 with respect tothe front display area DA0 may be greater than curvatures of the firstside display area DA1 and the second side display area DA2 with respectto the front display area DA0.

The first corner area C1 may provide a space in which the signal linesDL may be connected to the connection lines DM. The signal lines DL andthe connection lines DM will be described in detail with reference toFIGS. 21 to 23.

Referring to FIGS. 21 to 23, the display device 1_1 may include aplurality of signal lines DL, a plurality of connection lines DM, and aplurality of dummy lines DP. Meanwhile, the signal lines DL, theconnection lines DM, and the dummy lines DP are configured to extend inthe first direction DR1 or the second direction DR2, and may besymmetrical with respect to a reference axis (not shown) formed througha center of an area of the display device 1_1. Hereinafter, thedescription will be focused on the signal lines DL, the connection linesDM, and the dummy lines DP that are located on a left side of thedisplay device 1_1.

The plurality of signal lines DL may extend from the non-display areaNDA and located in the side display areas DA1, DA2, DA3, and DA4 and thefront display area DA0. The signal lines DL may extend in the firstdirection DR1 and may be sequentially arranged at specific intervalsalong the second direction DR2. One end of the signal line DL may beelectrically connected to the connection line DM, and the one end of thesignal line DL connected to the connection line DM may be located in thenon-display area NDA below the main region MR, for example, the firstcorner area C1. The one end of the signal line DL may be electricallyconnected to the connection line DM through an eighth contact hole CNT8located in the first corner area C1. Detailed description thereof willbe provided later.

The plurality of connection lines DM may extend from the non-displayarea NDA and extend to the non-display area NDA, for example, the firstcorner area C1 via the first display area DA1, the second side displayarea DA2, or the front display area DA0. Each of the connection lines DMmay include first connection lines DM1 respectively connected to thesignal lines DL, second connection lines DM2 respectively connected tothe first connection lines DM1, and third connection lines DM3respectively connected to the second connection lines DM2.

The plurality of first connection lines DM1 may extend from thenon-display area NDA, for example, the first corner area C1, and belocated in the first side display area DA1, the second side display areaDA2, or the front display area DA0. The first connection lines DM1 mayextend in the first direction DR1, and may be sequentially arranged atspecific intervals along the second direction DR2. One end of the firstconnection line DM1 may be located in the first corner area C1, and theother end of the first connection line DM1 may be located in the secondside display area DA2 or the front display area DA0. The one end of thefirst connection line DM1 may extend to one end of the signal line DLlocated in the first corner area C1. The one end of the first connectionline DM1 may be electrically connected to the signal line DL in thefirst corner area C1. The first connection line DM1 may be located on adifferent layer from a layer on which the signal line DL is located andmay be insulated from the signal line DL by an insulating layer. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 23, the signal line DL may be formed of thefirst conductive layer 130, the first connection line DM1 may be formedof the second conductive layer 140, and the signal line DL may beinsulated from the first connection line DM1 by the fourth insulatinglayer IL4. The one end of the first connection line DM1 may pass throughthe fourth insulating layer IL4 and be electrically connected to thesignal line DL through the eighth contact hole CNT8 exposing one end ofthe signal line DL.

Meanwhile, FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate that the eighth contact hole CNT8is located in the first corner area C1, but embodiments according to thepresent disclosure are not limited thereto. In other words, as shown inFIG. 21, the eighth contact hole CNT8 may be located in the non-displayarea NDA located between the first side display area DA1 and the bendingregion BR.

In addition, since the second connection line DM2, the third connectionline DM3, the first dummy line DP1, and the second dummy line DP2 havebeen described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11, duplicate descriptionswill be omitted.

As described above, the display device 1_1 may include the first tothird connection lines DM1, DM2 and DM3 located via the front displayarea DA0 and the side display areas DA1, DA2, DA3, and DA4 and providean image signal to the signal lines DL through the first to thirdconnection lines DM1, DM2 and DM3. Accordingly, an additional dead spacerequired for connecting the signal lines DL to the driving chip 20 maybe unnecessary. In other words, the dead space may be minimized orreduced as described above.

According to a display device of an embodiment, a connection line islocated in a display area so that a dead space of the display device canbe reduced.

In addition, the connection line and the dummy line are formed of aplurality of conductive layers to minimize or reduce variant patterns sothat visual recognition of the pattern can be prevented or reduced.

In addition, lines located below a sub-pixel are evenly designed so thata step difference in a light emitting area can be minimized or reduced.In other words, degradation of display quality of the display device maybe prevented or reduced.

The effects according to embodiments of the present disclosure are notlimited by the contents of the description of the example embodimentsabove, and various effects are included within the specification herein.

In concluding the detailed description, those skilled in the art willappreciate that many variations and modifications can be made to theexample embodiments without substantially departing from the principlesof the present invention. Therefore, the disclosed example embodimentsof the invention are used in a generic and descriptive sense only andnot for purposes of limitation.

What is claimed is:
 1. A display device, comprising: a display area anda non-display area; a plurality of signal lines over the display area;and a plurality of connection lines in the display area and connected tothe signal lines, wherein the plurality of connection lines includes aplurality of first connection lines connected to the signal lines,respectively, a plurality of third connection lines on a same layer asthe first connection lines, and a plurality of second connection linesconnecting the first connection lines to the third connection lines. 2.The display device of claim 1, wherein the first connection lines andthe third connection lines extend in a first direction, and the secondconnection lines extend in a second direction intersecting the firstdirection.
 3. The display device of claim 1, further comprising aplurality of first dummy patterns and a plurality of second dummypatterns, wherein the first dummy patterns are on the same layer as thefirst connection lines, and the second dummy patterns are on a samelayer as the second connection lines.
 4. The display device of claim 3,wherein the first dummy patterns extend in a first direction, and thesecond dummy patterns extend in a second direction intersecting thefirst direction.
 5. The display device of claim 4, wherein an intervalbetween the plurality of first dummy patterns in the second direction isequal to an interval between the plurality of first connection lines inthe second direction.
 6. The display device of claim 3, wherein thesignal lines are formed of a first conductive layer, the firstconnection lines or the third connection lines are formed of a secondconductive layer, the second connection lines are formed of a thirdconductive layer, and the second conductive layer is between the firstconductive layer and the third conductive layer.
 7. The display deviceof claim 6, wherein a second connection line of the second connectionlines is electrically connected to a first connection line of the firstconnection lines through a first contact hole exposing one end of thefirst connection line.
 8. The display device of claim 7, wherein thesecond connection line is electrically connected to a third connectionline of the third connection lines through a second contact holeexposing one end of the third connection line.
 9. The display device ofclaim 6, wherein the first dummy patterns are formed of the secondconductive layer, and the second dummy patterns are formed of the thirdconductive layer.
 10. The display device of claim 6, further comprisinga power supply voltage line formed of the first conductive layer,wherein the power supply voltage line is electrically connected to asecond dummy pattern of the second dummy patterns.
 11. A display devicecomprising: a substrate including a display area and a non-display area;a plurality of signal lines in the display area of the substrate; aplurality of connection lines in the display area and connected to thesignal lines; a first electrode on the connection line; a light emittinglayer on the first electrode; and a second electrode on the lightemitting layer, wherein the plurality of connection lines includes aplurality of first connection lines respectively connected to the signallines and a plurality of second connection lines respectively connectedto the first connection lines, and the first connection line and thesecond connection line are on different layers from each other.
 12. Thedisplay device of claim 11, wherein the signal lines are formed of afirst conductive layer, the first connection lines are formed of asecond conductive layer, the second connection lines are formed of athird conductive layer, and the second conductive layer is between thefirst conductive layer and the third conductive layer.
 13. The displaydevice of claim 12, further comprising: a semiconductor layer on thesubstrate; and a first gate conductive layer on the semiconductor layer,wherein the first gate conductive layer is between the semiconductorlayer and the first conductive layer.
 14. The display device of claim13, wherein the first electrode is between the third conductive layerand the second electrode.
 15. The display device of claim 11, whereinthe first connection lines extend in a first direction, and the secondconnection lines extend in a second direction intersecting the firstdirection.
 16. The display device of claim 15, wherein the connectionlines further includes a plurality of third connection lines connectedto the second connection lines, and the third connection lines extend inthe first direction and are on a same layer as the first connectionlines.
 17. The display device of claim 16, further comprising aplurality of first dummy patterns and a plurality of second dummypatterns in the display area, wherein the first dummy patterns are on asame layer as the signal lines, and the second dummy patterns are on thesame layer as the first connection lines.
 18. The display device ofclaim 11, wherein the display area includes a front display area, afirst side display area extending from a first side of the front displayarea, and a second side display area extending from a second side of thefront display area.
 19. The display device of claim 18, wherein theplurality of connection lines extend from the non-display area andextend to the non-display area via the first side display area, thefront display area, and the second side display area.
 20. The displaydevice of claim 18, further comprising a corner area between the firstside display area and the second side display area, wherein a firstconnection line of the first connection lines is connected to a signalline of the signal lines through a contact hole in the corner area.